Monday, July 7th
The first day of VBS. Rocco and Renna were crew leaders and I roamed around taking photos. On the way to the church I was saying, "I'm proud of you guys for always being willing to serve and waking up so early and giving up a week of your summer to serve these kids and build the Kingdom." Rocco chimed in, this isn't hard...this is FUN!" They love VBS!
Tuesday, July 8th
Mason dropped Ezra to me part way through the morning. She's a professional church baby. Like a mini Mayor. Knows how to be sweet and greet people, but also knows how to get away from people with a "bye". She was highly entertained by all the VBS music and games and dancing.
Wednesday, July 9th
Karen asked me to dig up some pictures of Nana for an upcoming family reunion. In my searching, I shot this one over to James. So perfect of both of them.
I'm so thankful for Nana. Having grown up without grandparents, she was my first up-close picture of that classic unconditional, generous, lavish, crazy, unbridled love. She always had a smile, constantly complimented, cooked to feed and army, and went overboard to spoil on holidays. We was that "warm hug", iconic kind of gramma!
Thursday, July 10th
Chick after VBS for the kids.
Colombo's team was in town for an annual team meeting. The big guy in the middle is Shawn, the newest addition, a solutions consultant.
She's spending her days working on her handstand.
Last day of VBS...Maddy and Mason were the missionaries the kids were spending their week bringing loose change and dollar bills to support. In total, they raised more than $1500, which exceeded the goal which resulted in a payoff of the leaders getting a pie in the face.
Sunday, July 13th
We survived!
I scooted the kids home and waited for Lisa to arrive. The night before we'd gotten word that Uncle Lee had suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized. We knew we needed to go. Their world flipped upside down in an instant. We knew he was stable, but also knew that we needed to be with them. They are more than just an aunt and uncle (and cousins), but more than that, they are our people. They have consistently, intentionally, lovingly walked alongside of us and supported us throughout our lives. We just wanted to love and serve however was needed in the moment.
We briefly got to see Uncle Lee before visiting hours ended, then we took Aunt Bonnie and Melody to dinner. Both were holding it together and strong, but I think we were a good sounding board to field all the unknown questions and talk through some difficult logistics and decisions.
Mostly, we simply rejoiced that he is here, he is stable, he was spared! The view from his room.
Saturday, July 12th
Lisa and I had made the hour-long, country backroad, up and over mountains ride back to their home late the night before. It was a place to sleep and they had all left Wednesday night when the situation was an emergency with little in their hands and had since been staying in a small inn the hospital provided for a small fee. So we were able to FaceTime and pack a bag of essentials for that gang before returning to the hospital for visiting hours and to see Johnny, who I hadn't seen in four years.
I started the morning with a walk. Sweet memories of crawling on the rocks in the river and playing Pooh Stix.
The house-in all the medical craziness- was set to go on the market the following week, so I breathed in the warm memories and said goodbye. Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Lee are making the move to Rochester. They're done with the work and isolation of country living and ready to be closer to Melody (and good healthcare!) in their retirement.
Aunt Bonnie, Melody, Johnny, Lisa, and I all talked through everything that seemed to be right in front of them at the moment and maybe the next few steps forward. We felt like we were able help them all find their feet under them. We gave big hugs to everybody, prayed over Uncle Lee, and then headed east for home.
No one missed me. I was home in time to join the gang by the pool for the evening.
Aiden arranged a Six Flags day for his buds to celebrate his 16th birthday! They ended up at our house later for pool and games.
We attended AnaNicole and EJ's wedding. Another Harkness kid married! Our "crew" for 22+ years now.
The Crossroads "kids".
Ezra had a friend sleepover!
Finally, in no particular order....VBS pictures...some mine, some Lisa's.
